Inspired by Maughams's own experiences as a British secret agent in World War I, this series of stories features a fictional spy, John Ashenden, whose dangerous assignments entangle him with traitors, assassins and beautiful but treacherous women.

Contents:

• Preface by W. Somerset Maugham (1934)
• R.
• A Domiciliary Visit
• Miss King
• The Hairless Mexican
• The Dark Woman
• The Greek
• A Trip to Paris
• Giulia Lazzari
• Gustav
• The Traitor
• Behind the Scenes
• His Excellency
• The Flip of a Coin
• A Chance Acquaintance
• Love and Russian Literature
• Mr. Harrington's Washing